Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

What Is Self As Context?

In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), self-as-context is one of the six core processes for cultivating psychological flexibility. This concept refers to the perspective that individuals can observe their thoughts, feelings, sensations, roles, and identities without being entangled. It is a subtle but powerful shift from “I am my thoughts” to “I am the one…

What Are Values In Acceptance And Commitment Therapy

What Are Values In Acceptance And Commitment Therapy?

Value clarification is one of the six core processes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based behavioural therapy designed to increase psychological flexibility. While many therapeutic approaches focus on reducing distress or managing symptoms, ACT takes a different approach. It encourages people to live meaningful lives by identifying what truly matters to them—their values—and…

PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY

What Is Psychological Flexibility?

It is the opposite of EXPERIENTIAL AVOIDANCE.   Psychological flexibility is the cornerstone of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a form of psychotherapy that integrates mindfulness and behavioural science. It refers to the ability to be present with what is happening in the moment, including thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, and to take actions that…

What is COGNITIVE DEFUSION

What is COGNITIVE DEFUSION?

Cognitive defusion is a core concept within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a psychological approach that emphasises mindfulness and psychological flexibility. At its essence, cognitive defusion involves changing how individuals relate to their thoughts, rather than trying to eliminate or suppress them. It aims to create a mental space where thoughts are seen as transient,…

What is Cognitive Fusion?

What is Cognitive Fusion?

In ACT, cognitive fusion refers to becoming so entangled in thoughts that they appearas the absolute truth and dictate one’s actions.   Cognitive Fusion: When Your Thoughts Stick Like Glue Have you ever been so immersed in a thought that it seemedentirely accurate, even if it wasn’t beneficial? Maybe you thought, “I’m a failure,” and it lingered…

What is ACT HEXAFLEX

What is ACT HEXAFLEX?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is built on a model known as the Hexaflex, which outlines six core processes that promote psychological flexibility—the ability to adapt to life’s challenges while staying aligned with one’s values. Rather than focusing on eliminating distress, ACT helps individuals change their relationship with complex thoughts and emotions, allowing them to live more…

What is the history of the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Acceptance and commitment therapy originates from behaviourism and relational frame theory. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emerged in the 1980s as part of the “third wave” of cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBT). Psychologist Steven C. Hayes and colleagues Kelly Wilson and Kirk Strosahl spearheaded its development. ACT was rooted in behaviour analysis and relational frame theory (RFT),…